The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1887-11-17
BELLEVUE, La, THURSDAY NOVEMBER H. 1887.

ing soIne wagon would pass, and ht
could get ride.
1t was not long before he heard the
sound of horses hoofs. and light
buggy and two chestnut horses driven
by an elderly man, came in sight. Huol
rose to his feet and made his request,
which was granted at once, and he
gave a sigh of relief as he seated himself
in the buggy and the horses started
briskly forward.
"Who are you, and where are you
going?" asked the gentleman, who had
a prompt, decisive way of speaking.
Hugh gave his name, and said he was
on his way home from Seaford; but this
did not satisfy his interro gator. who,
having nothing else to do. piled him
with questions until he learned the
whole story.
"You did right" he said. II am
glad to find boy with so much prin-
ciple. Make it rule to keep your
promises. and You will win the conf
| dence Of all who know you.''
These words were very comforting to
Hugh. who had expected to be ridi-
cu!ed, and when he parted from the
Old gentleman he no longer had any
doubt that he had pursued the right
course. He found the canary dropping
in the cage, and, unwilling to run any
further risks, he gave it liberty at once,
mentally resolving that he would never
again put a wild bird into confinement.
But his experience was to have an effect
upon his future life of which he little
dreamed.
Three years passed away, and the
failing health of his father made it
necessary for Hugh to secure position
in which he could earn his own living.
Ralph was to take charge of the farm,
and it was decided to send Hugh to u
town several hundred miles distant,
where he was promised situation in a
large hardware store.
"lf could only find employment in
Barclay!' said the boy. reluctant to 90
so far from home. II wonder if Mr..
Deverest would give me place in the
iron works?"
at would be of no use to apply"
replied his father. 81 heard not long
ago that the superintendent is besieged
all the time with applications for work,
and that more men are employed now
than are really needed
But Hugh thought it would do no
harm to try, for he could only fail, and
without speaking of his intentions to
any one, he went to the iron works the
day before that appointed for his de-
parture from home. He had never
seen Mr.. Deverest, and thought bimself
fortunate when, on walking into the
office at the works, he found at the
desk the gentleman who had given him
the ride three years before. The recog-
milton was mutual, and after an ex-
change of greetings Hugh told his
errand.
"If you hold a position here, perhaps
you will be willing to introduce me to
Mr.. Deverest, he said, land tell me if
there is any chance for me-
every chance" was the prompt re-
ply. ''You shall have position to-
morrow. There is always room here
for young man with good principles"
q L don't understand" stam-
.mered Hugh. Can you-have you the
power
Perhaps you soiU understand. when
l tell you 1 am Mr.. Deverest," said the
old gentleman, smiling. $50 come to-
morrow, Hugh, and go to work. / am
glad to take into my employ one who
will make it point to keep his prom
ises."
So that was the result of Hugh's long
walk to save the life of the little canary;
and it may well be supposed that, as he
rose steadily in the iron works to one
position afser another of honor and
trust, he often feltyery thankful that he
had given up the pleasures of that birth
day picnic to follow. however reluctant-
ly, the dictates of his conscience.
Florence B. H1llo,CeI. in The Standard.